Mercedes top man: 'Was a pleasure to fight Red Bull Racing'

Although many people at Mercedes are bitter about the end of the season, designer James Allison is a worthy loser. The top man at Mercedes enjoyed the blood-curdling duel with Red Bull Racing.

Earlier this week, Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton let it be known that they would not be attending the FIA gala, where all the awards of the year are handed out, even though Hamilton is actually obliged to show up at the event. Instead, chief designer James Allison was sent to the gala to receive the constructors' title award.

During his speech at the event, Allison spoke out about the duel with Red Bull Racing. Unlike other top people at Mercedes, the designer actually has fond memories of the season. "It was a pleasure to fight tooth and nail against Red Bull Racing," he said.

Allison thought Max Verstappen's team was 'a brilliant opponent', but also acknowledges that they sometimes annoyed each other a bit. According to the designer, however, that's part of the sport. "We had an incredible duel and I'm very grateful for that."

Record broken again

With the constructors' title in its pocket, Mercedes have ended the hybrid era in a very dominant way. The team has won the prize eight times in a row, breaking their own record. From next season onwards the new rules will be in force and it remains to be seen which team will be on top.